In Rhode Island, vehicles with a model year of 2000 or older are exempt from titling. If you are selling a title-exempt vehicle, you do not need a title to transfer ownership. Instead, the Bill of Sale and the previous owner's registration certificate serve as proof of ownership. For all vehicles model year 2001 and newer, a title is required.

If your title for a 2001 or newer vehicle is lost, you must apply for a duplicate title from the DMV before the sale. If you have an outstanding loan on the car, you must pay it off completely. The lender will then release the lien, allowing you to obtain a clear title to sign over to the buyer.

Yes, a Bill of Sale is required for all private vehicle sales. It serves as a legal receipt for both you and the buyer. The Bill of Sale must include the vehicle's year, make, model, and VIN, the selling price, the date of sale, and the names and signatures of both the seller and the buyer. The buyer will need this document to register the car and pay sales tax.

Yes. Rhode Island law requires that a vehicle have a valid, current safety inspection sticker at the time of sale. It is the seller's responsibility to provide this. A vehicle must be inspected every two years. Selling a vehicle without a valid inspection can create issues for the buyer and potential liability for you.

In Rhode Island, the license plates belong to the seller, not the car. You must remove your license plates from the vehicle before the buyer takes possession. You should then return the plates to a DMV branch to cancel the registration. This is a crucial step to release you from liability for the vehicle.